Nobody likes a smart-ass...unless that smart-ass is the lovable lizard known as Gex. This wise-cracker is going to make his 3-D debut on the PlayStation (well actually, it'll be his only 3-D appearance).

Gex: Enter the Gecko will be Crystal Dynamics' answer to Mario 64. Not only will the worlds of Gex be fully explorable with complete freedom of movement, but the mechanics of being a gecko will allow for twists on the 3-D platform genre. For example, Gex can climb vertically on certain walls. When you see this executed in a 3-D world, you'll come away thoroughly impressed.

Perhaps even more interesting is the creative energy put into designing the worlds of Enter the Gecko. All of the humor, sarcasm and wit that put Gex on the map of success will be fully exploited (yes, comedian Dana Gould will be doing the voices again). Each stage of the game puts plenty of emphasis on mocking one thing or another. To meet those goals, each world will feature a TV or movie theme from contemporary media.

We compiled a bunch of early screen shots, concept drawings and more for your viewing pleasure. Each world is briefly summarized, and where the information is available, we list some of the enemies and collectables that should inhabit them. To protect the innocent (and themselves), Crystal Dynamics has changed certain names for their parodies. We give plenty of hints, so try to guess what TV shows or movies some of these references (printed in BOLD) are alluding to.

Please note: This stuff is the most up-to-date info available anywhere but is subject to change! Some of the early concept information has yet to be finalized, but for the most part, what you see and read is what will end up being in the final product. Make sure to stay tuned to upcoming episodes,er, issues of fG/Wwhen we preview the game in depth.

Download Gex: Enter The Gecko

GBC

System requirements:

Playstation

System requirements:

PC compatible

Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

Mario did it So did Bubsy. We expect Sonic will do it soon too. Now, Gex is joining the more-or-less elite group of side-scrolling mascot characters that entered the world of free-roaming 3-D. The smart-ass gecko, previously on the 3DO, PlayStation and Saturn, is going to make his newest appearance on the PlayStation only.

Gex is a TV-oholic. In his first adventure, he saved all of the world's TV programming from the evil Rez. Well, it seems Rez has knocked out the world's TV channels again. So Gex must go back into the Media Dimension to save television.

In the Media Dimension, you can find eight worlds, with two channels per world (for a total of 16 levels). Each world has a prominent theme attached to it. As Gex's claim to fame goes, the themes are all based on parodies of different areas of contemporary media, like cable TV and old movies. For example, one level makes fun of all the cheesy horror/slasher flicks we've seen in our lifetime. The other worlds make fun of kung-fu, science fiction. cartoons, spy films and more.

The backgrounds, enemies and icons all are representative of the theme of the day. In the circuit world (a very Tron-esc\ue look at the inside of a computer). Gex must pick up copper-top batteries. In the prehistoric world, you may run into dangerous purple dinosaurs. In the spy level, you can expect to see Crystal Dynamics' version of Jaws.

James Bond's archenemy. Besides the parody and humor. Enter the Gecko is also distinguished from its competition by his unique ability to stick to walls. So while Croc and Mario are running around 3-D worlds. Gex will be busy climbing sideways and even upside down. This leads to interesting gameplay and strategies, but unfortunately. Gex cannot do this whenever he wants. Only certain walls can be vertically scaled by the gecko.

Besides running and sticking to walls, Gex can use his tail to attack and his tongue to grab on to ledges. When he picks up certain power-ups. he'll have even more moves available. For example, Gex can eat certain fireflies that may give him a 360-degree tail attack or set him on fire to engulf his enemies.

Although Mario and Sonic are tough acts to follow, Gex has little other competition. Now that he has gone 3-D (with analog controller support), and he's keeping his trademark humor (comedian Dana Gould is returning to do the voice acting again), he might have the right stuff to launch him to star status.

MANUFACTURER - Crystal Dynamics

THEME - Action

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1

reggie posted a review

Overall rating: 8.5

Gex is back, and in glorious 3D! This leapin' lizard could crush Crash Bandicoot and blow away Blasto, so get ready to Enter the Gecko!

Story & Fun Factor

Trapped again in a television-world paradox, Gex must traverse several levels themed after TV shows and movies. Gex trashing cities as Gexzilla puts the leapin' lizard in a new light! The game is a blast to play, and the various stages sport goodies like power-ups and hidden areas. Rest assured, 2D purists-- Gex works perfectly as a 3D game. This isn't an example of a game going 3D solely for 3D's sake (unlike Contra and Bubsy 3D). "Tail time" starts this fall.

Control

The analog controller works perfectly with this game; Gex is a breeze to move around. In addition to his hop-n-bop skills, Gex can climb walls and ceilings, and can use his tail to swat enemies. The only problem we encountered with this 40 percent preview version was the confusing camera angles, which moved around too much. However, the final version will enable you customize the point of view.

Graphics & Sound

Just wait until you see Gex in motion--you won't believe your eyes! It's Nintendo 64 quality on the PlayStation! The stages feature detailed 3D environments and cool visual effects like flowing lava and hanging lanterns illuminating dark hallways. Cartoony sound effects fill the audio track, aided by themed music that varies from stage to stage. The only thing that still needs to be implemented is comedian Dana Gould's voice, which will add sonic enhancement to Gex's one-liners.

reggie posted a review

Overall rating: 8

If you've played a Gex: Enter the Gecko on any system, then you know the general feel this Game Boy and Game Boy Color version of Gex: Enter the Gecko has--except it's not in 3D, of course. As you'd expect, Gex is out to prevent his archenemy Rez from taking over the world's television broadcasts. Like the other games, Gex must find his way through a variety of levels--each being a parody of popular TV shows and movies--ultimately taking down Rez.

This 8-Megabit GB cart works on any version of the Game Boy, but is specially adapted for use on the Super Game Boy and, of course, Game Boy Color (you know: color, extra memory and a faster CPU). The game features over 26 levels of gecko goodness. Crystal Dynamics insists Gex: Enter the Gecko for the Game Boy will be "one of the largest and most complex Game Boy games available." Gex has all of his standard fighting moves found in other versions including tail whips, spins and bounces, fly eating, karate kicking and wall climbing, among others. And he'll need every one of them against the more than 20 different types of enemies he'll encounter (many of those found in the PlayStation and N64 versions of the game). Of course, there is no Dana Gould voice in the little cart since that is next to impossible

reggie posted a review

Overall rating: 8

Gex returns to the PlayStation, wise-cracking and tail-whipping his way through a new, and very impressive looking, 3D action/adventure. The story so far has Gex turning secret agent to prevent his arch-nemesis Rez (buffed-out and badder than ever) from controlling the nation's television broadcasts. To do so, Gex must battle through eight channel worlds, each parodying popular movies and television shows like Star Wars and Godzilla. Comedian Dana Gould returns to lend Gex his voice, while former Simpsons writer Rob Cohen has been hired to give the feisty gecko the fiercest one-liners and quickest quips heard in gaming. What's most stunning about Gex is its unbelievable graphics and smooth gameplay, especially considering the early stage of the project. Gex has approximately 115 animations, from running to tongue lashing, and when he talks, you actually see his mouth articulately lip-synch the words. If Gex continues its gexcellent development, it could be one of the top games of the year.

reggie posted a review

Overall rating: 7

Cower, Crash, and beware, Blasto there's a new platform king on the PlayStation! Gex returns for his second adventure, Enter the Gecko, delivering a three-dimensional tail-kicking of the highest order.

Son of the Tail

Quick with a tail-whip and quicker with a joke, Gex heads back into the Media Dimension to unseat Rez once again. This time he'll find himself in a haunted house, in outer space, on a desert isle, inside a computer, in a psychedelic cartoon world, back in the Stone Age, policing the inner city, and fighting ninjas in the streets of China, among other theatrical locales. Every level holds multiple challenges and different-colored remotes to collect. When Gex has enough clickers in his collection, he battles Rez for the ultimate show.

The Lizard's Innards

Everything in Enter the Gecko is 3D--even the menu graphics and the words on the screen. GEX alone is made up of hundreds of polygons, which results in smooth, lifelike articulation and animation. You'll be impressed by all the little nuances in his movements and wait animations. Three camera settings give you plenty of viewing options and enable you to see the game from just about any angle you can imagine.

Cex may be a gecko, but the soundtrack's a chameleon, constantly changing with recognizable-but-not-exactly-copyright-infringing musical themes to match each level. From the rasta beats of cops on the street to the Bond-style crescendo of brass and bongos, every track's a winner.

Motor Mouth

Of course, GEX wouldn't be GEX without a boatload of wise-ass remarks. Comedian Dana Could reprises his role as the loose-lipped lizard, spewing 500 or so one-liners over the course of the adventure. Better hope your pop culture chops are up to snuff;

GEX riffs on everything from Planet of the Apes to Richard Simmons to Stephen King to Land of the Lost. You may not get all the jokes now, but that's the beauty of GEX's "stealth humor" next time you see a movie or TV show, don't be surprised if one of the lines sneaks up on you and suddenly makes sense.

GEX supports the Sony Analog Controller, but you're still only moving in just eight directions. The controls prove comfortable and responsive, while the levels are plentiful and not frustratingly hard, which adds up to a high enjoyment factor, even for platform newbies. Hidden and bonus remotes, not to mention entire bonus levels, add to the replay value. Plus, watch for a surprise cameo at the end!

Generation GEX

Gex looked good in the preview versions, and it's great to see a game live up to its potential. GEX: Enter the Gecko ranks as a must-own for platform fans, but more importantly, gamers who have grown tired of the hop-n-bop genre may find some of that old magic again.

Graphics

Enter the Gecko teems with well-constructed characters and excellently designed levels. GEX also pulls off effects like transparency and mirror textures, and you'll hardly notice any annoying slowdown or breakup.

Control

With either analog or digital controls, Gex moves smoothly and responsively. Occasionally the camera won't play nice, but most of the time you can get just the view you want.